In 1991, Diane Hollingsworth had just given birth, but her baby was in the neonatal intensive care unit , and she had two young children at home. What's more, Hollingsworth herself was in bad shape, suffering from glomerulonephritis, a form of kidney disease.

Baby Emily survived, but Hollingsworth would eventually need a kidney transplant. The experience transformed her life.

"It changed my perspective and made me want to spend the rest of my career wanting to help others," said Hollingsworth, now 53.

After recovering, she decided to transition from a career with large technology companies to the nonprofit sector, specifically focusing on organ transplantation.

She began volunteering for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and served on the board of directors there before becoming its director of medical education in 2003.

Three years ago she became the executive director of the Illinois Eye-Bank (illinoiseyebank.org), a nonprofit whose mission is to "preserve and restore sight, through transplantation, research, education and partnership."

The Illinois Eye-Bank, located in Chicago, has three main focuses, she says: preserving and restoring sight through cornea transplants, both locally and globally; conducting and funding research to find cures for all blinding eye diseases; and providing public and professional education on eye, organ and tissue donation.

Hollingsworth used her corporate experience to improve the way organ nonprofits operated. Thanks in part to her efforts, corneal donations have increased each year for the past three years since she joined the eye bank. In 2013 there were 2,555 cornea donors in Illinois, compared with 2,143 in 2010, according to the Illinois Eye-Bank.

Hollingsworth lives in Naperville with her husband and three children.

Following is an edited transcript.

Q: You went from being a healthy 32-year-old to suddenly being close to death and having a very sick newborn, all at the same time.

A: It was earth-shattering. (It was) a game changer. When you're in your young 30s, you think you're invincible. You don't think that something like this is going to happen to you.

Q: You wound up getting a kidney from your mother. But if she hadn't been a close match, how long would it have taken?

A: At the time, they told me my wait would be two years, but today my wait would be well over five years because there are more people on the list because of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and obesity. People are also living longer today.

Q: What lessons did you learn from your near tragedy?

A: It brings you new perspective. You realize how much you have to cherish your life, your family. You realize you're not so invincible after all.

Q: Were you nervous about leaving the corporate world for a new field?

A: Not really. I was excited about a new chapter in my life.

Q: How did your business expertise help with a nonprofit?

A: The business and strategic planning and prioritizing knowledge (of the corporate world) helped (in) figuring out that you can't do everything for everyone, (and) learning how you can best serve the community so you can help more people.

Q: How are you able to continually increase the percentage of corneal donations year after year?

A: The Illinois Eye-Bank has been working with hospitals and the coroners and funeral directors to make sure everyone gets their wishes fulfilled. Sometimes it can slip through the cracks, but we've been working hard to make sure that if someone wants their organs donated, that it happens.

Q: What do you say to people who are squeamish about donating eyes or organs?

A: I let people know that in organ and tissue donation, the donor's body is treated with respect and dignity. It is a surgical procedure that allows for a normal open-casket funeral.

Q: What advice would you give to others who are on a transplant list?

A: Keep the faith and be kind to yourself. Appreciate life and those that support them through the tough times.

Q: How do you convince others to keep going despite really bad challenges?

A: I have talked to so many going through challenges. The human spirit is incredible. Most end up inspiring me. Most just need someone to listen and to care.

Q: Some might think what you do is depressing because it involves death.

A: Some people say, "You're talking about death all the time," but we get to see something positive coming out of death. It helps people with their grieving process. I just interviewed an airline pilot who was off work because he didn't have the sight to fly a plane, and now he is up again. (She points to a picture in her office of children who can now all see.) All those children had corneal transplants. We see the effects it had on their lives. It makes every day worthwhile. You want to strive to do more.

Q: How do donors' families handle the process?

A: Talking with a next of kin after someone's passing can be difficult, (but) most are simply happy that something positive can come out of their loved ones' passing. The ultimate gift.

Q: Do you have a guilty pleasure?

A: I am a terrible singer and dancer but find so much pleasure in both. I sing constantly, much to the displeasure of my family, and dance my way through chores.

Illinois Eye-Bank will host a fundraiser, the 16th annual Gift of Sight Gala, June 19 at The Peninsula Chicago; go to illinoiseyebank.org. For more information about organ donation in Illinois, visit donatelifeillinois.org.

Drawing inspiration

Diane Hollingsworth is inspired by the life and work of Mother Teresa. "From a very young age, I was told about (her)," she says, "and I have tried to honor her thoughts throughout my life."